The Office of Public Works (OPW) has said it is 'surprised and disappointed' by criticism pointed at the department from the President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA).

Responding to comments from Michael O'Boyle, the OPW said it has always had an 'excellent working relationship' with the Garda Authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

The GRA highlighted a small number of specific examples, which it claims is indicative of the work that OPW undertake.

"These four examples, when put into the context of managing over seven hundred Garda Stations throughout the country and other Garda facilities such as Garda Headquarters and Templemore Garda Training College would appear relatively trivial," said the OPW.

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"The facts below speak for themselves. OPW is at all times conscious of obtaining maximum value for money for the State."

OPW has undertaken the massive Garda Building Programme in recent years.

Since 1995, some €219m has been spent by OPW providing new Garda accommodation including Templemore Garda College and carrying out major extensions and refurbishments to existing Garda Stations.

From 2004 to 2008 over €136m has been spent on major capital works.

GRA claimed OPW has failed to 'future proof' new Garda Stations, claiming many are too small when opened.

"The design of any Garda Station is based on a brief of requirements provided by An Garda Síochána in the first instance. Occasionally, due to Garda operational requirements, it can be the case that between the award of a construction contract and final completion additional facilities may be required. This is more the exception than the rule," said an OPW spokesman.

(PR/JM)